Cachaca

Cachaca is the spirit of Brazil — literally, they produce over a billion liters a year. Made from fresh sugarcane juice (unlike most rums, which use molasses), it has a grassy, funky character that’s unmistakable. The Caipirinha is the only cocktail most people know it from: muddle lime and sugar, add cachaca, done. Leblon and Novo Fogo are quality brands available outside Brazil. Aged cachaca (gold) is sippable like a good rum, while unaged (silver) is the standard for mixing. It’s technically not rum by Brazilian law, and they’ll correct you on that.

Last modified on September 24, 2026